Orange County Sheriff’s Department deputies set up a perimeter Friday morning around the 100 block of W. Canada after they received reports of a man shooting at a vehicle. Photo: Eric Heinz

Updated 2:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 12

By Eric Heinz

Orange County Sheriff’s Department officials said a known gang member to the San Clemente area was seen shooting at a white pickup truck while another man was driving around 9 a.m.Friday, Aug. 12, near the Rite Aid at 801 N. El Camino Real.

The victim, believed to be the owner of the truck, was not injured and neither was the suspect.

Heriberto, a.k.a. Victor, Velasquez, 23, is in custody with OCSD, as sheriffs conduct the investigation, said Lt. Dan Dwyer.

After shooting at the vehicle, Velasquez reportedly ran into the 100 block area of West Escalones and West Canada. Residents said they saw him jump fences and enter their backyards. OCSD set up a perimeter in the area, and Velasquez was apprehended some time later in a storage shed behind one of the residences on the 100 block of Escalones, Dwyer said.

The reason or motivation for the alleged shooting is unclear at this time. Dwyer said Sheriff’s deputies found bullet casings in the area of the shooting. A handgun was found in the area where the suspect fled.

Velasquez is believed to have lived in the San Clemente area at one time and continues to frequent the city.

Orange County Sheriff’s Department deputies enter a home Friday morning around the 100 block of W. Avenida Canada after they received reports of a man shooting at a vehicle at the Rite Aid at 801 N. El Camino Real. Photo: Eric Heinz

Officers with OCSD in San Clemente, U.S. Border Patrol and other entities responded to the situation.

Editor’s note: This is a developing story. More information will be provided when it becomes available.

Thanks to SC Times for keeping us up to date when other outlets have failed. It’s a sad day when shots are fired in the middle of a summer morning and a popular drug store parking lot.

Border Patrol is here in CA because we need it; to object to any law enforcement agency is to suggest otherwise. He is a known gang member. Legal or otherwise, he’s in a gang. That’s the problem. They retaliate with real guns; that’s a huge problem for public safety.

One of my sons was walking his enormous dog in the area and was met with a gang banger in his ‘uniform’ fleeing; Then moments later, the men in blue uniforms and serious ammo and other gear and vehicles went after him and got him.

Sad day for SC….but glad this town had the foresight to know we needed to be on the OC team of police and fire…

PS…had to correct my name. SColdy reads like I was scolding somebody! Yikes…..

Lots of agencies showed up to help. In addition to OC Sheriff, the State Park Rangers responded with their K-9 unit. Under cover law enforcement, OC Fire Authority and the Border Patrol all helped. The sheriff’s helicopter circled the area to keep an eye in the sky until the suspect was caught. Well done law enforcement.